MODELS OF THE CHURCH

MODELS
Church as an Institution

CHARACTERISTICS
dominant model in Roman Catholicism before Vatican II defines the Church in terms of its visible structures, the rights and powers of its officers emphasizes the hierarchy of the church emphasizes the nature of the church Church is referred as the body of Christ emphasizes the notion that a parish is a family community believers are of one mind and heart, sharing possessions in common church is seen first and foremost as a visible sign of Christs presence in the world emphasizes the visible (human) and invisible(spiritual) sides of the church church is primarily the messenger of the Gospel the church is the voice, the announcer of the kingdom of God proclaims a new reality of peace and reign of God that is both here and not yet fully realized members: heralds of the church

STRENGTHS
clear understanding of right and wrong clear rules and guidelines for living the faith

WEAKNESSES
can lead up to legalism and overemphasis upon law can lead to difficulty among believers to sort out a priority of laws or an understanding of the relative importance of laws community can lack structure wherein there is no sense of purpose or direction limited sense of belief to certain principles overemphasis on the community

Church as a Communion

creates a strong sense of belongingness the community is warm and welcoming

Church as a Sacrament

clear connection with a Catholic way of seeing the world sacramental in signs and symbols

requires a high level of Catechesis and theological education not always readily apparent

Church as Herald

heavy emphasis and understanding of proclaiming the gospel as an important part of gospel life

leads to cerebral understanding of faith, de-emphasizes the visible nature of the sacramental life

Church as a Servant

Church as a Community of Disciples

primary commitment to the social justice underscores the importance of the words underscores the words of the gospel with the need to put those words into actions community of people who follow Jesus includes personal and commercial accountability

filled with believers who live authentically their faith

such emphasis on action loses the faith dimension

stronger sense of connection to Jesus, to his mission and to others who believe

too local without a strong emphasis on a universal nature of Church

Source/s: http://www.slideshare.net/deporresd/ecclesiology-and-models-of-the-church

Dela Cruz, Anna Natalie Y. 1-24 Prof. Ian Sy